EXTRAORDINARY SADC SUMMIT WITHDRAWS TROOPS FROM DRC

“The Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), here after called “Summit”, was held on the 13th of March 2025, to deliberate on the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Summit was officially opened and chaired by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, in his capacity as Chairperson of SADC.

Summit was attended by the following Heads of State and Government, or their representatives:

Zimbabwe: H.E. President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa
Botswana: President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko
Democratic Republic of Congo: H.E. President Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo
Madagascar: H.E. President Mr. Andry Rajoelina
Mozambique: H.E. President Mr. Daniel Francisco Chapo
Namibia: H.E. President Dr. Nangolo Mbumba
South Africa: H.E. President Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa
United Republic of Tanzania: H.E. President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan
Zambia: H.E. President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema
Lesotho: Right Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane
Eswatini: The Right Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Russel Dlamini
Malawi: Honourable Ms. Nancy Gladys Tembo, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mauritius: Honourable Mr. Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and International Trade
Angola: Honourable Mr. Manuel Homem, Minister of Home Affairs
Seychelles: H.E. Mr. Claude Morel, High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa

Summit received the latest updates on the security situation in the Eastern part of the DRC and considered the Report on the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) Mandate from the Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit which was held on 6th March 2025

Summit expressed its deepest condolences to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republics of South Africa and Malawi, and the United Republic of Tanzania, and to the families of the deceased soldiers who lost their lives while serving under the SAMIDRC and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Summit noted with grave concern the continued deterioration of the security situation in the Eastern DRC, including the capturing of Goma and Bukavu, and the blockage of the main supply routes, making it difficult for humanitarian aid to flow.

Summit commended the troops for their selfless act, unity, diligence resiliency shown since the beginning of the mission.

Summit called for the protection and free movement of civilians seeking safety and for all parties to uphold international humanitarian principles, stop attacks on civilians’ infrastructure, and guarantee unhindered humanitarian access.

Summit noted the increasing humanitarian needs in the DRC and called on the international community, including the United Nations, and the African Union to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of the DRC.

Summit terminated the Mandate of SAMIDRC and directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from the DRC.

Summit emphasised its dedication to addressing the ongoing conflict in the DRC and reaffirmed its commitment to support interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace and security in the Eastern DRC, in line with the SADC Mutual Defence Pact of 2003.

Summit reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in its pursuit of safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as sustainable peace, security and development.

Summit reiterated the need for a political and diplomatic solution with all parties including state, non-state parties, military and non-military in the Eastern DRC for the restoration of peace, security and tranquillity in the country.

Summit further reiterated the decision from the joint Summit of the East African Community (EAC) and SADC to merge the Luanda and Nairobi Process and inclusion of more facilitators to enhance the peace-building process.

Summit welcomes the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 2773 Resolution which gives guidance for a long lasting solution while supporting the regional efforts by the AU, East African Community (EAC), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and SADC, in convening high-level meetings and the efforts under Luanda and Nairobi mediation processes, as well as the efforts by the United Nations Secretary-General to restore peace and security in Eastern DRC.

Summit acknowledged the expression of gratitude from His Excellency Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo for SADC’s continued support to address the security challenges facing the DRC.

Summit commended Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and the Chairperson of the SADC Organ, for her leadership and spearheading regional peace and security matters in the SADC region.

Summit thanked the Chairperson of SADC, His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, for convening the Extraordinary SADC Summit and for his leadership in promoting regional cooperation towards the attainment of peace, security and stability in the SADC region.

The SADC Chairperson expressed gratitude to the Heads of State and Government for attending the virtual Summit and for their commitment to cooperate on the region’s agenda.”